JPH1115598A - Input/output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely detect an input operation even if a depression position on a display screen is not just above a switch means by providing a projection operating on the switch means in accordance with the depression position on the display screen. SOLUTION: In an input/output device, the projection 30 operating on a membrane switch 2 in accordance with the depression position on the display screen of a liquid crystal display panel 1 is provided at the back of a reinforcing board 18 positioned at the lower part of the liquid crystal panel 1. The projection 30 is formed at the back of the reinforcing board 18 at the same pitch as the pitch of the switch part of the membrane switch 2 on the lower side of the liquid crystal display panel. The membrane switch 2 arranged in a matrix form is arranged below the projection 30 so that the peak of the projection 30 is positioned at the center of the switch part. Even if a part which is not the peak of the switch part is depressed, depression force is intensively transmitted to the switch of the membrane switch 2 through the projection 30 and the switch part is securely turned on.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (EL) panel widely used in OA equipment such as copiers, facsimile machines and printers, personal computers and word processors, and also in electronic equipment such as handy terminal equipment and portable information communication equipment. The present invention relates to an input / output device (user interface device) provided with the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an input / output device of this type, for example, an input / output device used for an OA device such as a copying machine or a facsimile or a control panel of an electronic device, the operation information of the device and the operation information are not included. There is known an information input display such as a liquid crystal display screen which displays a corresponding virtual operation button, and which can input control information such as a function selection or a copy number instruction to the device by pressing the virtual operation button. .

Techniques relating to such an input / output device include, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. Sho 62-139025, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-124542, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-332602, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 63-247819. Has already been proposed.

The operation panel switch according to Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 62-139025 is an operation panel switch for performing a large number of displays, and a membrane switch having a plurality of transparent electrodes is arranged on the upper surface of a dot matrix liquid crystal display element. It is configured as follows.

In the switch mechanism using the liquid crystal display panel according to Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-124542, a switch mechanism for controlling various functions of an electronic device displays a group of symbols representing various functions of the electronic device. A liquid crystal display panel, a memory unit for storing a symbol group for a plurality of screens, a transparent pressure-sensitive sensor provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal panel and switched to a function corresponding to the displayed symbol group, An interface for switching the function of the pressure sensor and a backlight for illuminating the liquid crystal display panel from the back are provided.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-332602 includes a liquid crystal display for displaying various information, a pressure-sensitive touch panel stretched on the front of the liquid crystal display, and It is displayed, and at the time of display, a software keyboard that receives the coordinate position input on the display from the pressure-sensitive touch panel, and a key on the upper surface in accordance with the key arrangement of the software keyboard that is placed or removed on the front of the software keyboard. A button-shaped projection is provided, and a keyboard input auxiliary unit with a projection is provided on the surface of the projection, which displays characters corresponding to the key character arrangement of the software keyboard by printing or the like.

On the other hand, a touch panel input / output device according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-247819 has a display device in which a display screen is formed as a group of a large number of character areas, and a matrix-like display provided on the screen. Wherein the size of one section area for detecting one coordinate is substantially equal to the section of the character area, and the display pitch of the character area of the display device and the size of the section area of the digital touch switch are different. In a touch panel input / output device having a digital touch switch having substantially the same detection pitch, a partition area of the digital touch switch is overlapped with a character area of the display apparatus by being shifted by a half pitch in each of the X direction and the Y direction. It is configured to be arranged.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view showing a specific structure of a control panel of a conventional copying machine among the various proposed technologies as described above. In such a conventional structure,
The information input display includes a transmissive liquid crystal display screen 21 formed by laminating glass sheets, and a touch panel 122 superimposed on the display screen 121, and a panel panel having an opening 123. 1
Reference numeral 24 covers the information input display. The touch panel 122 is formed by forming a matrix of a transparent conductive thin film of ITO or the like at a predetermined pitch (for example, 4 mm pitch) on two glass substrates, and then bonding these glass substrates with a slight gap. When an arbitrary position on the touch panel 122 is pressed, the conductive thin films opposing each other are locally contacted by the pressing force to cause electrical conduction, and the CPU circuit 125 based on a change in the level of the output signal. Is touch panel 1
It is configured to specify the pressing position on the reference numeral 22.
In the drawing, reference numeral 126 denotes the liquid crystal display screen 121.
, A fluorescent lamp 127 illuminates the fluorescent lamp 126 from behind.
Reference numeral 128 denotes an inverter circuit for turning on the fluorescent lamp 126. The light diffuser plate diffuses the irradiated light to the entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen 121.

In such a conventional information input display, a virtual operation button corresponding to a function used by the device is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 121 so that the user can press it. Since the virtual operation button is pressed from above, it is possible to check whether or not the virtual operation button has been pressed from the relationship between the pressed position on the touch panel 122 and the display position of the virtual operation button. Therefore, in the conventional control panel having such an information input display, a plurality of functions can be assigned to one virtual operation button by changing the display contents of the liquid crystal display screen 121 for each used function. The number of physical operation buttons provided above could be significantly reduced.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional information input display, since the touch panel is provided in front of the liquid crystal display screen, there is a problem that the contrast of the display screen is lowered and it is difficult to see the display contents. In view of the above, the liquid crystal display screen has to be of a transmissive type and a backlight has to be provided on the back side as described above.

[0011] Further, if an operation button used frequently, such as a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, is displayed on the information input display as a virtual operation button, the appearance of the control panel becomes clearer, but on the contrary, the operability deteriorates. There is. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 22, since the operation buttons 129 such as a numeric keypad frequently used in the conventional control panel are provided separately from the information input display, the switch matrix board 131
And the touch panel 122 cannot be integrated,
In addition to the trouble of assembling the control panel, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is increased.

Therefore, the present inventors have solved the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and have excellent visibility of operation information and virtual operation buttons displayed on an information input display, and are capable of manufacturing at low cost. To provide input / output devices,
Japanese Patent Application Nos. 8-44405 and 9-45428 have already been proposed.

[0013] These Japanese Patent Application Nos. Hei 8-44405 and Hei 9-1997 are disclosed.
An input / output device according to -45428 is basically a display device that displays information on a flexible display screen, and is provided below the display screen and is pressed by a viewer from the viewing side of the display screen. And a pressure-sensitive input device including a detecting means for detecting a position on the display screen.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No.
In the case of the input / output device according to Japanese Patent Application No. 44405 or Japanese Patent Application No. 9-45428, a display device having a multilayer structure and rigidity is located on the upper surface side of the pressure-sensitive input device. for that reason,
In order to turn on the pressure-sensitive input device through the display device, the center of the operation section of the pressure-sensitive input device must be pressed from directly above. That is, the display device located on the upper surface side is
Although it is not integrated with the operation part of the pressure-sensitive input device, even if the positional relationship between the virtual switch displayed on the display device and the operation part of the lower pressure-sensitive input device is limited, the operation part of the pressure-sensitive input device is not limited. When a position slightly deviated from the above is pressed, the operation unit of the pressure-sensitive input device may not operate. As a result, even if the virtual switch of the pressure-sensitive input device displayed on the display device is pressed, there is a problem that the pressing of the virtual switch may not be detected reliably and accurately.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide excellent visibility of operation information and virtual operation buttons displayed on a display means. At the same time, it is possible not only to manufacture at low cost, but also to be able to reliably and accurately detect the pressing of the virtual switch or the like when the virtual switch or the like displayed on the display means is pressed. An output device is provided.

[0016]

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible display means for displaying information on a display screen, and a plurality of switches provided below the display means. Means, and a projection provided below the display means and acting on the switch means in accordance with a pressed position on the display screen.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the projection which acts on the switch means in accordance with the pressed position on the display screen is provided, in the configuration which is pressed via the display means, Even when the pressed position is not directly above the switch means, the input operation can be reliably detected.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means having flexibility and displaying information on a display screen, a plurality of switch means provided below the display means, and the display means. And a projection which is provided below and which acts on the switch means in accordance with a pressed position on the display screen, and a position detection which detects a pressed position on the display screen based on a combination result of ON / OFF of the switch means. Means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, two or more switch means are turned on depending on the pressed position on the display screen.
Even in this case, the pressed position on the display screen can be detected by the position detecting means based on the result of the ON / OFF combination of the switch means.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a display means having flexibility and displaying information on a display screen, a plurality of switch means provided below the display means, and the display means. A projection provided on the display screen and acting on the switch means in accordance with a pressed position on the display screen, wherein the display means is a liquid crystal display panel,
The projection includes one of a twisted ball display panel, and the projection is formed so as to protrude toward the switch means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the display means is relatively weak to a force such as to include one of a liquid crystal display panel and a twisted ball display panel, the projection is formed. Since it is formed in a convex state on the switch means side, it is possible to disperse the force received by the display means from the projection when the display screen is pressed, and to prevent erroneous display of the display means such as a liquid crystal display panel or broken alignment of the liquid crystal. It can be reliably prevented.

Still further, according to the present invention, there is provided a display means having flexibility and displaying information on a display screen, a plurality of switch means provided below the display means, and this switch. A projection provided below the display means, and a display control means for displaying an image representing an operation button at a position on the display screen of the display means corresponding to the position of the projection. It is composed.

According to the invention described in claim 4,
Since the image representing the operation button is displayed at a position on the display screen of the display means corresponding to the position of the projection corresponding to the switch means provided below the display means, a predetermined position on the display screen corresponding to the position of the projection Can be set as the pressed position of the input operation, and the input operation can be detected more reliably.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an input / output device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This input / output device has flexibility,
A liquid crystal display panel 1 as display means for displaying information on a display screen; a membrane switch 2 as a plurality of switch means provided below the liquid crystal display panel 1;
A position detection circuit 3 for detecting a coordinate position from a position where the membrane switch 2 is pressed, and which virtual switch on the liquid crystal display panel 1 is pressed from the position detected by the position detection circuit 3 is determined. A control panel control circuit 4 for displaying a new image on the liquid crystal display panel 1 in accordance with the result of the determination.

The position detection circuit 3 and the control panel control circuit 4 are serially connected as a connection cable 5 by RS422 which is a serial transfer method. The position detection circuit 3 includes an 8-bit CPU, for example, a CPU 6 of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation M3806 series, and the control panel control circuit 4 includes a 16-bit CPU.
A bit CPU, for example, a 68000 system CPU 7 manufactured by Motorola is provided, and controls each.

CPU 7 of control panel control circuit 4
3 controls the entire control panel including the liquid crystal display panel 1 and performs liquid crystal display such as a virtual switch on the liquid crystal display panel 1 as shown in FIG. 3, and the CPU 6 of the position detection circuit 3 It detects whether or not it has been pressed and, if so, its position. The CP of the control panel control circuit 4
U7 receives information about the pressed position of the membrane switch 2 from the CPU 6 of the position detection circuit 3 via the connection cable 5, performs display according to the pressed position of the membrane switch 2, and displays the pressed virtual switch. A command is issued to execute a job corresponding to the function.

The liquid crystal display panel 1 is formed of a reflective liquid crystal display panel, and is formed in a flexible sheet shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display panel 1 includes a pair of polarizing plates 12, 12 disposed on both front and back sides of a liquid crystal display unit 11.
The layer 12 does not need to be directly laminated on the liquid crystal display section 11, and another layer or a plate-like member may be interposed between the pair of polarizing plates 12, 12 and the liquid crystal display section 11. As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display section 11 of the liquid crystal display panel 1 has, for example, a PES (polyether ether) having a thickness of 0.1 mm on both sides of a ferroelectric liquid crystal 13 having a thickness of 2.5 μm. A sheet in which the sheets 14 (sulfone) are stacked and used. These PES sheets 14 have, for example, a width of 0.2
ITO (Indium Tin) which is a 7 mm transparent electrode
Oxide) electrodes 15 are formed linearly at a pitch of 0.3 mm by means of vapor deposition or the like.
The ES sheet 14 is laminated on both sides of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 13 so that the ITO electrodes 15 formed on the PES sheet 14 are orthogonal to each other and form a matrix. In addition, as the liquid crystal 13 laminated between the pair of PES sheets 14, 14, for example, a ferroelectric polymer liquid crystal is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, other types of liquid crystal may be used.

As the liquid crystal display section 11 of the liquid crystal display panel 1, for example, the basic configuration and operation are described in Japanese Patent No. 251.
A structure as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-61061 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-2, filed by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. is used.
A structure configured as disclosed in, for example, US Pat. The liquid crystal display section 11 of the liquid crystal display panel 1 includes, for example, an ITO electrode 1 serving as a transparent electrode.
One or both of the pair of PES sheets 14 and 14 on which the layers 5 and 15 are deposited are provided with a liquid crystal 1 made of a ferroelectric polymer liquid crystal.
3 is applied to form a film, and a pair of opposing PES sheets 1
After laminating 4 and 14, it is manufactured by performing an orientation treatment by bending by passing between a plurality of rollers. Here, the liquid crystal display panel 1 using the liquid crystal 13 made of a ferroelectric polymer liquid crystal has a memory property,
It has a characteristic that the display screen can be held even when the application of the voltage is stopped.

Further, on the surface side of the liquid crystal display panel 1, that is, on the viewing side, between the PES sheet 14 and the polarizing plate 12 to prevent irregular reflection and the like and improve the visibility of the liquid crystal display panel 1. Are arranged in a stacked state. As the visibility improving sheet 16,
For example, a resin made of a gel resin or a rubber resin is used. On the surface of the visibility improving sheet 16,
In order to clarify the density of the displayed image based on the change in the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal 13 to which the electric field is applied, the polarizing plates 12 are stacked as described above. At that time, the visibility improving sheet 16 interposed between the flexible liquid crystal display unit 11 and the polarizing plate 12 causes reflection of external light when the refractive index is significantly different from other members, The display quality of the liquid crystal display panel 1 is reduced. Therefore, the visibility improving sheet 16 has a refractive index of air of 1.0 and a refractive index of a synthetic resin material constituting the ferroelectric liquid crystal 13 and the polarizing plate 12 of about 1.4. Therefore, it is optimal to use a refractive index of the gel-like resin or the rubber-like resin of the transparent visibility improving sheet 16 near 1.4.

As a material suitable for this, for example, the visibility improving sheet 16 manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation has a refractive index of 1.46.
A visibility improving sheet manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation having an adhesiveness of 00 μm is used. The visibility improving sheet 16 is bonded between the PES sheet 14 of the liquid crystal display section 11 and the polarizing plate 12 by the adhesiveness. It is interposed while being held. As the visibility improving sheet 16, for example, a sheet made of a gel resin such as an acrylic polymer or a rubber resin such as a silicone resin polymer is used.

On the back side of the liquid crystal display section 11,
The polarizers 12 are laminated and arranged without any member, and the rear polarizer 12 is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the polarizer 12 disposed on the front side of the liquid crystal display panel 1. I have. Further, the liquid crystal display panel 1
A reflector 17 that reflects light incident from the viewing side of the liquid crystal display panel 1 is provided below the polarizing plate 12 disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal display panel 1.
Are stacked. As the reflection plate 17, for example, one obtained by bonding an aluminum foil having a thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 mm to the back surface of the polarizing plate 12 is used. Further, a reinforcing plate 18 for reinforcing the pressing force of the liquid crystal display panel 1 and improving the resolution of the membrane switch 2 described later is disposed below the reflecting plate 17.
As the reinforcing plate 18, for example, an acrylic plate having a thickness of 0.4 mm is used, but a synthetic resin of another material may be used.

Further, a membrane switch 2 as a plurality of switch means for detecting a position pressed by a finger or a pen or the like from the front side of the liquid crystal display panel 1 is arranged on the back side of the reinforcing plate 18. I have. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the membrane switch 2 includes electrode switches 21 each having a circular switch portion 23 formed in a matrix at a predetermined pitch (for example, 9) in the vertical and horizontal directions. .6 mm), and a pair of switch sheets 2, 22.
The spacer sheet 25 is disposed between the first and second electrodes 22 and 22 and has a region 24 corresponding to the switch portion 23 of the electrode pattern 21 formed of a circular or rectangular cutout.
In the membrane switch 2, the switch sheet 22, 22 in the area pressed by a finger or the like is bent, and the switch portions 23 on which the pair of switch sheets 22, 22 are formed come into contact with each other, so that the pressed position of the switch is reduced. The coordinates are detected (Japanese Patent No. 25556711). In FIG. 4, reference numerals 26 and 27 denote switch sheets 22, 22.
2 shows a connector section for supplying electricity to the electrode patterns 21 arranged in FIG.

However, the membrane switch 2 is not limited to this, and is disclosed in
668, JP-A-8-258147, JP-A-8-241647, or Japanese Patent No. 253065.
Various types disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 1-No. 1 can be used, and the types are not limited.

As the membrane switch 2, a resistance layer formed in the same shape is interposed between a pair of rectangular conductive substrates, and the membrane switch 2 is arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions of the conductive substrate. By providing a grid electrode for detection at the end in the direction, when a part of the conductive substrate is pressed,
Since the resistance value between the detection grid electrodes provided at the end portions in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction changes, the resistance value between the detection grid electrodes located in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is detected, and the finger value is detected. For example, an analog type configured to detect the coordinates of the position pressed by the user may be used. Such an analog type may be used, and the present invention is not limited to this type, and any type may be used as long as the position on the display screen can be detected by sensing the pressure in response to pressing from the viewing side of the display screen.

The input / output device according to this embodiment is provided below the display means, and is provided with a projection acting on the switch means in accordance with a pressed position on the display screen. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the input / output device includes a reinforcing plate 18 located below the liquid crystal display panel 1.
A projection 30 acting on the membrane switch 2 is provided on the rear surface of the liquid crystal display panel 1 in accordance with a pressed position on the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel 1. The projections 30 are formed on the back surface of the reinforcing plate 18 at the same pitch as the pitch of the switch portions 23 of the membrane switch 2 located below the liquid crystal display panel 1. The protrusion 30 is made of, for example, an epoxy resin, and has a shape whose bottom has a diameter of 6 to 7 for example.
mm and a height of about 0.2 to 0.4 mm. The projections 30 are arranged so that, for example, hemispherical vertices are 9.6 mm vertically and horizontally at a pitch of 20 × 8 in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, and protrude downward. Further, the protrusion 30 is formed by, for example, continuously forming a protrusion by a dispenser that causes the resin in the cylinder to protrude by air pressure and curing the resin. The position of the projection 30 is
For example, as shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal display panel 1 is arranged so as to be located between the 16th pixel and the 17th pixel in the vertical and horizontal directions, and corresponds to the switch unit 23 of the membrane switch 2 in a one-to-one manner.

The protrusions 30 are not limited to those made of a hard resin such as an epoxy resin, but may be formed of a soft synthetic resin such as a silicone rubber.

As described above, the membrane switches 2 arranged in a matrix are arranged below the projections 30 so that the apexes of the projections 30 are located at the center of the switch section 23. FIG. 4 shows the membrane switch 2 in which the switch sections 23 are arranged in a matrix as described above. In the figure, the number of switch units 23 is set to 20 × 8. As shown in FIG. 1, a plate of a plastic molded product made of, for example, ABS resin or the like and having a thickness of 5 mm is disposed below the membrane switch 2 as shown in FIG.

Further, the input / output device according to this embodiment has a position detecting means for detecting a pressed position on the display screen based on a combination result of ON / OFF of the switch means, and a position corresponding to the position of the projection. Display control means for displaying an image representing an operation button at a position on the display screen of the display means.

FIG. 6 shows the positional relationship between the display area of the liquid crystal display panel 1, the positions of the projections 30, and the minimum switch unit. The minimum switch unit 31 is set in a square shape having a length 1.5 times the arrangement pitch of the protrusions 30 along the vertical and horizontal directions. The virtual switch displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 1 has the minimum switch unit 31 as a basic unit. That is, the virtual switch displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 1 is formed by combining the minimum switches of the basic unit. in this way,
The CPU 7 of the control panel control circuit 4 displays the virtual switch on the liquid crystal display panel 1 using the minimum switch unit 31 as a basic unit, and the CPU 6 of the position detection circuit 3
It is configured to detect whether a corresponding position of the membrane switch 2 has been pressed.

FIG. 7 shows wiring to the control board of the input / output device configured as described above.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1 denotes a liquid crystal display panel, and membrane switches 2 are arranged below the liquid crystal display panel 1 in a stacked state. The wiring of the liquid crystal display panel 1 is the same as that of the ITO electrode 15 of the liquid crystal display panel 1.
The STN liquid crystal driver IC 56 for applying a predetermined drive voltage to the TCP (Tap)
e Carrier Package) 57, and the electrodes 15 of the transparent resin sheet 14 of the liquid crystal display panel 1 are thermocompression-bonded with an anisotropic conductive adhesive sheet 58. The TCP 57 is connected to a printed circuit board 59.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the input / output device configured as described above.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 60 denotes a CPU for controlling the input / output device, and the membrane switches 2 formed in a matrix of the input / output device have X
The electrode patterns 21 arranged at a predetermined pitch in one direction or the Y direction are transmitted from the CPU 6 to the buffer circuit 6.
Scan signals output from the electrode patterns 21 are output from the electrode patterns 21 arranged at a predetermined pitch along another direction. The output signals are input to the CPU 6 via the driver circuit 62. It is configured to detect coordinates of a position pressed by a finger or the like from the viewing side of the display panel 1.

The CPU 7 displays a display screen based on the input information on the liquid crystal display 11 of the liquid crystal display panel 1. That is, the CPU 7 performs a drawing process on the liquid crystal display unit 43 via the driver circuit 63 based on the configuration data of the screen to be displayed (hereinafter, referred to as frame data). As the frame data for displaying a screen on the liquid crystal display unit 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a display indicating a region such as a virtual button displayed on the frame, and an object such as an icon image Display information (for drawing) 65 and detection area information 66 for specifying a range of a touch area in which an input is performed by pressing a predetermined area are included. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the display information (for drawing) 65 of the object includes, as shown in FIG. 9, a pointer 67 for specifying the display of the coordinates and the brightness of the button object information, and the coordinates and the brightness of the icon image object information. An object table that functions as a pointer 68 for designating a display is provided.

FIG. 10 shows the liquid crystal display section 1 of the liquid crystal display panel 1.
1 shows an example of an image including a virtual switch displayed in No. 1;

The image including the virtual switch displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), in addition to the display of the message "Can copy", four screens of "basic copy", "applied copy", "special copy", and "edit" can be selected. The characters written as “basic copy”, “applied copy”, “specialized copy”, and “edit” are virtual switches 80. Then, by pressing these virtual switches, the "basic copy"
If so, as shown in FIG. 10A, it is possible to adjust the copy density and image quality, and select double-sided copy.
For the copy density, the upper and lower triangle marks, and for the image quality adjustment, the picture quality and the automatic area are the virtual switches 80. In the case of “applied copy”, FIG.
As shown in (1), it is possible to select continuous page copying or 2-up.

In the above configuration, the input / output device according to this embodiment is excellent in the visibility of the operation information and the virtual operation buttons displayed on the display means and operates the display means as described below. In addition to the fact that there is no fear of breakage at the same time, and it is possible to manufacture at low cost, when a virtual switch or the like displayed on the display means is pressed, the pressing of the virtual switch or the like is reliably and accurately detected. It is possible to do.

That is, the input / output device according to this embodiment is provided below the flexible liquid crystal display panel 1 as shown in FIG. Projection 30 acting on
It is constituted so that it may be provided. Therefore, when a virtual switch displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 41 is pressed with a finger or the like, the pressing force acts on the membrane switch 2 as follows.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the input / output device according to the above embodiment when pressure is applied from the display surface side.
As shown in FIG. 11, even if a part of the membrane switch 2 that is not directly above the switch part 23 is pressed, the pressing force is intensively transmitted to the switch part 23 of the membrane switch 2 via the projection 30. Can be reliably turned on.

The projection 30 is provided on the liquid crystal display panel 1.
Is arranged on the rear surface side of the liquid crystal display panel 1 so as to protrude toward the membrane switch 2, so that the pressing force applied from the front surface side of the liquid crystal display panel 1 can be reduced by a large area of the projection 30 located on the liquid crystal display panel 1 side. Receiving and dispersing,
It is possible to reliably prevent erroneous display of the liquid crystal display panel 1 and broken alignment of the liquid crystal.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 12 shows Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same parts as those of the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and described. The protrusion 30 is provided not on the rear surface side of the liquid crystal display panel 1 but on the switch sheet 22 of the membrane switch 2 so as to protrude upward.

In the case of such a configuration, since the projection at the tip of the projection 30 comes to the liquid crystal display panel 1 side,
Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when the surface of the liquid crystal display panel 1 is pressed with a finger or the like, there is a problem that stress tends to concentrate on the liquid crystal display panel 1, and the embodiment shown in FIG. Is desirable. However, by enlarging the curvature of the projection 30, stress can be prevented from being concentrated on the liquid crystal display panel 1. By changing the material of the projection 30 to a soft material, the switch can be operated with a small pressing force. It is also possible to configure as in the second embodiment.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Third Embodiment FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and described. The projections 30 formed in a convex state on the switch side are not provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display panel 1 but on the support plate 19 disposed under the membrane switch 2.
It is configured to be provided above.

In the case of such a configuration, since the projections 30 can be formed integrally with the support plate 19 by resin molding or the like, the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

Fourth Embodiment FIGS. 14 to 21 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those of the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and described. In 4, a display means having flexibility and displaying information on a display screen, a plurality of switch means provided below the display means, and corresponding to the switch means, are provided below the display means. The apparatus is configured to include a projection provided, and display control means for displaying an image representing an operation button at a position on the display screen of the display means corresponding to the position of the projection.

That is, in the input / output device according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), the projections 30 are respectively arranged at positions corresponding directly above the switch portions 23 of the membrane switch 2. And one projection 3
One virtual switch 80 is set only in the area corresponding to 0, and no other virtual switches are set around it. Then, the CPU 6 of the position detection circuit 3 for detecting the pressed position of the membrane switch 2 is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), when it is determined that the area 90 corresponding to the nine protrusions 30 around the virtual switch 80 is pressed, it is set to detect that the virtual switch 80 is pressed. I have.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14B, the CPU 6 of the input / output device outputs the output of the switch unit 23 where the X coordinate of the membrane switch 2 is m-3 and m-2 and the Y coordinate is m. When it is detected that "1" has been reached, FIG.
As shown in (a), it is determined that the projection 30 having the X coordinate of m-3 and the Y coordinate of m and the intermediate position 91 of the projection 30 having the X coordinate of m-2 and the Y coordinate of m are pressed, Since the position 91 is not included in the predetermined area 90, it is not detected that the virtual switch 80 whose X coordinate is set to m and the Y coordinate is set to m is turned on.

Next, in the input / output device, as shown in FIG. 15B, the output of the switch unit 23 whose X coordinate of the membrane switch 2 is m-2 and m-1 and whose Y coordinate is m is " 1 "
Is detected, as shown in FIG. 15A, a protrusion 30 having an X coordinate of m−2 and a Y coordinate of m,
Intermediate position 91 of the protrusion 30 whose coordinate is m-1 and whose Y coordinate is m
Is determined to have been pressed, and this position 91 is
, It is detected that the virtual switch 80 whose X coordinate is set to m and the Y coordinate is set to m is turned on.

On the other hand, in the input / output device shown in FIG. 16A, the projections 30 are respectively arranged at positions corresponding directly above the switch section 23 of the membrane switch 2 and two projections in the X direction. 1 in the X direction, separated by 30
The plurality of virtual switches 80 are located at positions separated by two protrusions 30.
Are set in close proximity. The CPU of the position detection circuit 3 for detecting the pressed position of the membrane switch 2
6 is set to detect that the virtual switch 80 has been pressed only when it is determined that the area 90 corresponding to one virtual switch 80 has been pressed, as shown in FIG.

Then, the above-mentioned input / output device is operated as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the X coordinate of the membrane switch 2 is m−2.
When it is detected that the output of the switch unit 23 whose Y coordinate is m is “1” at m and m−1, FIG.
As shown in the figure, a projection 30 having an X coordinate of m-2 and a Y coordinate of m
It is determined that the middle position 91 of the projection 30 whose X coordinate is m-1 and whose Y coordinate is m is pressed, and since this position 91 is not included in the predetermined area 90, the X coordinate is m and the Y coordinate is Is not detected when the virtual switch 80 set at the position m is turned on.

Next, in the input / output device, as shown in FIG. 17B, the output of the switch unit 23 having the X coordinate of the membrane switch 2 of m-1 and m and the Y coordinate of m is "1". 17A, the protrusion 30 having the X coordinate of m−1 and the Y coordinate of m, and the protrusion 30 having the X coordinate of m and the Y coordinate of m, as shown in FIG. It is determined that the intermediate position 91 has been pressed, and since this position 91 is included in the predetermined area 90, it is detected that the virtual switch 80 in which the X coordinate is set to m and the Y coordinate is set to m is turned on. It has become

However, the above-mentioned input / output device is not shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the X coordinate of the membrane switch 2 is m,
When it is detected that the output of the switch unit 23 whose Y coordinate is m + 2, m + 1, m is “1”, FIG.
As shown in the figure, a projection 30 having an X coordinate of m and a Y coordinate of m + 2.
And the middle position 9 of the protrusion 30 having the X coordinate m and the Y coordinate m
It is determined that the position 91 of the projection 30 whose X coordinate is m and Y coordinate is m + 1, which is 1, is not included in the predetermined area 90, so that the X coordinate is m and the Y coordinate is The virtual switch 80 set at the position m is not detected to be turned on.

In these embodiments, the switch is turned on.
Although the coordinate point of the pressed position is obtained based on the result of the combination of / OFF, if the switches included in the predetermined area 90 are not ON the switches included in another adjacent predetermined area, the virtual switch 80 is turned ON. May be detected.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21,
One virtual switch 80 is set corresponding to the two switch units 23 of the membrane switch 2, or one virtual switch 80 is set corresponding to the three or nine switch units 23 of the membrane switch 2. Even when it is set, the CPU 6 of the position detection circuit 3 that detects the pressed position of the membrane switch 2 can detect the position in the same manner, thereby reliably preventing erroneous detection.

The other configuration and operation are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the above embodiments, a membrane switch is used as a switch. However, a T-type switch (tact switch) or a conductive rubber switch may be used, and a switch using piezoelectric, electrostatic, or magnetic resistance may be used. It may be.

In the embodiments described above, the ferroelectric polymer liquid crystal is used as the display means. However, other types of liquid crystal panels, twisted ball display panels, or EL panels or other display means may be used. There may be.

[0072]

According to the present invention, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since there is provided a projection acting on the switch means in accordance with the pressed position on the display screen, the present invention provides a configuration in which the switch is pressed via the display means. Even if the pressed position on the display screen is not directly above the switch means, the input operation can be reliably detected.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, two or more switch means are turned on depending on the pressed position on the display screen.
Even in this case, the pressed position on the display screen can be detected by the position detecting means based on the result of the ON / OFF combination of the switch means.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the display means is relatively weak to a force such as to include one of a liquid crystal display panel and a twisted ball display panel, the projection means Formed in a convex state on the switch means side, it is possible to disperse the force which the display means receives from the projection when the display screen is pressed, and erroneous display of the display means such as a liquid crystal display panel, broken alignment of the liquid crystal, etc. Can be reliably prevented.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image representing the operation button at the position on the display screen of the display means corresponding to the position of the projection corresponding to the switch means provided below the display means. Is displayed, a predetermined position on the display screen corresponding to the position of the protrusion can be set as the pressed position of the input operation, and the input operation can be detected more reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part showing an embodiment of an input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of an embodiment of the input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a membrane switch.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a membrane switch.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an arrangement of protrusions.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing one embodiment of the input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit.

FIG. 9 is a chart showing an example of frame data for displaying an image on a liquid crystal display panel.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are plan views each showing a display screen of a liquid crystal display panel.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a deformed state of the liquid crystal display panel.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing Embodiment 2 of the input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing Embodiment 3 of the input / output device according to the present invention.

14 (a) and 14 (b) are a main part plan view and an operation explanatory view showing Embodiment 4 of the input / output device according to the present invention.

15 (a) and 15 (b) are a main part plan view and an operation explanatory view showing Embodiment 4 of the input / output device according to the present invention.

16 (a) and 16 (b) are a main part plan view and an operation explanatory view showing Embodiment 4 of the input / output device according to the present invention.

17 (a) and 17 (b) are a plan view and an operation explanatory view of a main part of an input / output device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

18 (a) and 18 (b) are a plan view and an operation explanatory view of a main part of an input / output device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a main part plan view showing Embodiment 4 of the input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a main part plan view showing Embodiment 4 of the input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a main part plan view showing Embodiment 4 of the input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a conventional control panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: liquid crystal display panel, 2: membrane switch, 30:
Protrusions.

Claims (4)

[Claims] A display unit having flexibility and displaying information on a display screen; a plurality of switch units provided below the display unit; and a display unit provided below the display unit and provided with the display unit. An input / output device comprising: a projection that acts on the switch means in accordance with a pressed position on a screen. 2. A display means having flexibility and displaying information on a display screen, a plurality of switch means provided below the display means, and the display means provided below the display means. A projection which acts on the switch means in accordance with a pressed position on a screen; and a position detecting means for detecting a pressed position on the display screen based on a combination result of ON / OFF of the switch means. I / O device. 3. A display means having flexibility and displaying information on a display screen, a plurality of switch means provided below the display means, and a display means provided below the display means, An input / output device including a projection acting on the switch means in accordance with a pressed position on a screen, wherein the display means includes any one of a liquid crystal display panel and a twisted ball display panel; Is an input / output device formed in a convex state on the switch means side. 4. A display unit having flexibility and displaying information on a display screen, a plurality of switch units provided below the display unit, and a plurality of switch units corresponding to the switch unit. An input / output device comprising: a projection provided below; and display control means for displaying an image representing an operation button at a position on the display screen of the display means corresponding to the position of the projection.